Despite the Phase-1 trade agreement incorporating a provision for China to buy considerable but unspecified quantities of agricultural commodities from the U.S., the message has apparently not trickled down to Han Jun, the Vice Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.
In an official statement, Han noted that quotas for wheat, corn and rice will not be increased. Although soybeans have figured on the China shopping list, observers question how agricultural purchases could amount to the White House claim of $50 billion, even over two years. Hopefully, there will be more clarity after release of details incorporated into the Phase-1 agreement.